Sony S100F Budget Soundbar Review

The Sony S100F (also known as the HT-S100F) is a budget-friendly 2.0-channel soundbar designed to enhance your TV’s audio without breaking the bank. Released in 2018, it’s a compact, no-frills option that prioritizes simplicity and affordability, making it ideal for small spaces or casual users looking to upgrade from built-in TV speakers. Here’s a breakdown of its performance.

Sound Quality

The S100F delivers a decent audio experience for its price point, typically around $99-$130. It features a 120W output and a Bass Reflex speaker, which provides a modest amount of depth and punch to the sound. Dialogue clarity is a standout feature, thanks to its Voice Enhancement mode, making it great for TV shows, podcasts, or movies with heavy dialogue.

However, it struggles with deep bass, so don’t expect room-shaking lows—action movie fans or bass-heavy music lovers might find it lacking. Sony’s S-Force Pro Front Surround technology aims to widen the soundstage, but it’s not a true substitute for a multi-speaker setup, resulting in a front-focused sound rather than an immersive surround experience.

Overall, the sound profile is neutral but can feel slightly muddy or tinny at times, especially with music.

Design and Build

At roughly 35 inches long, 2.5 inches high, and 3.5 inches deep, the S100F is sleek and unobtrusive, fitting easily under most TVs or on a shelf. Its minimalist black design with a metal grille is sturdy and blends well with any setup. It’s lightweight at about 5.3 pounds, and while it can be wall-mounted, the short power cord might limit placement options. The top has touch-sensitive controls for basic functions like power and volume, though they’re not always reliable—most users stick to the included remote.

Connectivity

Setup is straightforward with HDMI ARC, optical input, USB, and Bluetooth 4.2. HDMI ARC allows for easy TV integration and control with a single remote, while Bluetooth lets you stream music wirelessly from your phone or tablet. Latency is low (around 62ms via ARC and 70ms via optical), making it suitable for video without noticeable sync issues. However, there’s no full HDMI input, and older devices might struggle with Bluetooth pairing. NFC is also absent, ruling out one-tap connections.

Features

The S100F keeps it simple: no Dolby Atmos, DTS, or room correction, and no app or EQ customization. It offers preset modes like Cinema, Music, and Voice via the remote, but adjustments are minimal and subtle. It’s a plug-and-play device, which is a plus for ease of use but a drawback for audiophiles wanting more control.

The Sony S100F is a solid entry-level soundbar for casual viewers or those on a tight budget. It’s a significant step up from most TV speakers, especially for dialogue-driven content, but it won’t satisfy movie buffs craving cinematic depth or music enthusiasts needing robust bass